25 Free Things to Do in Miami, FL

Miami is a coastal paradise in Miami-Dade County, at the southern end of Florida, with more than 400,000 residents per the 2020 census.

The city boasts a warm and tropical climate with miles of pristine beaches, a diverse culture, plenty of architectural sights, and a fantastic skyline.

Despite being one of the most famous cities in the world, Miami still allows visitors to enjoy a vacation there without breaking the bank.  

Luckily, you can find activities and places of interest without admission fees.

Here’s a list of the best free things to do in Miami, Florida!

Get around the City via Metromover

For a hassle-free commute around Miami, take the Metromover.

The elevated people mover system operates in downtown Miami, Omni, and Brickell.

Save on transportation costs by taking the Metromover to get to your destinations.

Even if you don’t have a set destination, this is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to get around the heart of Miami.

You can take the Metromover to get an overview of the city and plan your itinerary based on the destinations near the stops.

Explore the Art Deco District

The Art Deco District is one of Miami’s highlights, housing various architectural wonders.

Also known as the Miami Beach Architectural District, find hundreds of designated historical buildings, including the residence of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace.

Art Deco characteristics include decorative features like terrazzo floors, pastel colors, neon lighting, and geometric shapes.

You can join free tours of the Art Deco District or go on a self-guided walking tour and see the colorful and sleek buildings.

Some notable establishments and places of interest in the district include the Greystone Hotel, Surfcomber Hotel, and Park Circle Hotel, among others.

Find Zen at Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is a 32-acre acre park built in 1896 and was Greater Miami’s first public gathering area.

The park hosts several major events, including holiday celebrations, boat tours, concerns, and the New Year’s ball drop.

Bayfront Park is a great place to visit and unwind, with facilities like walkways, a beach area, an amphitheater, a tropical garden, and more.

You can also join free yoga sessions on weekdays for a relaxing way to spend time at the park.

These yoga classes change scenery and allow you to meet new friends and acquaintances.

Snap Photos of the Wynwood Neighborhood

Wynwood Neighborhood is one of Miami’s must-see districts, famous for its colorful murals.

Lined with art galleries, breweries, antique shops, and bars, it’s an outdoor museum.

This is also one of the best places to take photo walks, admire street art, and take Instagram-worthy snapshots.

Explore Wynwood Neighborhood and spot larger-than-life murals by artists from around the globe.

Wear comfortable footwear, as the neighborhood is best explored on foot.

Ride a Bike along the Venetian Causeway

The Venetian Causeway is a 2.8-mile bridge that connects the mainland to the artificial Venetian Islands and Miami Beach.

It consists of 12 bridges that connect the 11 islands.

Given Miami’s famous sunsets and coastline, riding a bike across the Venetian Causeway is a good location for exercising or sightseeing.

The bicycle path on the bridge is well-maintained and offers excellent views of the McArthur Causeway and the skyscrapers of Miami.

If you’re not in the mood for biking, you can jog or run for a little workout.

Discover Cuban Culture at Little Havana

Little Havana is a lively community located a few minutes from Downtown Miami.

Find Latin American restaurants, art galleries, cafes, and other historical and cultural landmarks around the neighborhood.

Spend a few hours at Little Havana and soak up the tropical vibes as you walk across Calle Ocho’s homegrown establishments.

In addition, Little Havana hosts monthly Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays) festivities that celebrate Cuban culture.

Attend one of the Viernes Culturales events and watch live music performances, art exhibits, poetry, theater, and historic neighborhood tours.

Hang Out at Lummus Park

For an afternoon under the sun, head to Lummus Park.

The beachfront park has several facilities, including playgrounds, water fountains, a pavilion shelter, and public restrooms.

It’s also near the Art Deco District so you can visit the two destinations in one day.

Lummus Park is perfect for fitness enthusiasts since it has walking paths, volleyball courts, outdoor exercise, a gym, and a weight-lifting area.

Because of its seaside location, it’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

Catch a Free Movie at the SoundScape Cinema Series

Catch a movie under the stars at the SoundScape Cinema Series, a seasonal event organized by the City of Miami Beach.

These movies are screened on a 7,000-square-foot projection wall outside the New World Center.

The SoundScape Cinema Series runs from October to May, taking advantage of Miami’s cooler weather.

Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and watch movies like Black Panther, Ghostbusters, and Jurassic World Dominion.

The movies start in the evening, so arrive at the New World Center earlier for the best spots.

Check Out the Artworks at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami

Not all museums in Miami offer free admission all year round, but the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami is an exception.

Located in the picturesque Miami Design District, the museum showcases various contemporary artworks through exhibitions, programs, and collections.

The museum also provides a platform for local, emerging, and under-recognized artists to introduce their craft.

Enjoy free admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami and gain a deeper appreciation for contemporary art and discover new artists.

Although the museum offers walk-ins, reserving a timed ticket for guaranteed entry is best.

Admire the Lush Greenery at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden

From the skyscrapers and coastline of Miami, enjoy a pleasant change of scenery at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

This tropical oasis spans three acres that feature plants and trees native to Florida, including palm trees, orchids, cycads, and more.

In addition, the garden has a section for flowering trees, water features, a native garden, an edible garden, and a Japanese garden.

Marvel at the botanical wonders at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden as you explore different areas.

The botanical garden also hosts yoga, tai chi, and meditation sessions on special days.

Join the Miami Beach Culture Crawl

For an in-depth look at Miami Beach’s fun and exciting culture, join the Miami Beach Culture Crawl.

This free monthly event allows you to visit museums, discover local artists, watch a free film screening, and more.

Some cultural institutions participating in the Miami Beach Culture Crawl include the Bass, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, and New World Symphony.

Most establishments are accessible on foot, so you can visit as many sites as possible.

There’s also a dedicated trolley route with stops at or near the Culture Crawl sites.

Remember History at the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach

Located along Meridian Avenue, the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

It’s an outdoor space with a large bronze sculpture as a prominent memorial.

The sculpture, designed by Kenneth Treister, shows a sizeable outstretched hand surrounded by figures of the victims of the Holocaust.

Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach and pray for those who lost their lives.

Group tours are available for those who want to get a deeper insight into the memorial, and you can also get brochures for self-guided tours.

Enjoy the Views from the Miami Riverwalk

Go for a walk along the Miami Riverwalk to catch picturesque views of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay.

The pedestrian walkway is a popular sightseeing spot and a favorite among joggers and cyclists.

The riverwalk starts at Bayfront Park and passes through several high-rise condominiums and apartments.

It also passes by places of interest like the Liberty Column and Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel.

If you want activity on the relaxing side, jog or walk the Miami Riverwalk.

At night, the river creates a stunning reflection of the colorful lights in the city.

Hop on the Miami Beach Trolley

Aside from the Metromover, the city-wide Miami Beach trolleys are another free and convenient way to get around Miami.

The Miami Beach trolley serves areas like Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Miami Gardens, and other regions, making it easy for residents and tourists to explore the city.

If your itinerary for the day involves multiple destinations, you can hop on and hop off the trolley for hassle-free travel.

The South Beach Trolley is ideal if you’re going to the Miami Beach Convention Center, New World Symphony, or Lummus Park.

On the other hand, take the North Beach Loop if your destinations include Normandy Shores Golf Course, North Beach Oceanside Park, and the like.

Take a Tour around the Miami Design District

For sleek architecture, explore the Miami Design District, one of the most prominent areas in the city.

The district has luxury boutiques, jewelry stores, world-class restaurants, and art galleries.

Aside from high-end shops, you can find picture-perfect art installations and murals from award-winning artists.

Walk around the Miami Design District and discover a treasure trove of artsy spaces, buildings, and other places of interest.

Don’t forget to take photos with the Fly's Eye Dome, the Iwamoto Scott Façade, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami.

Bring the Family to Jose Marti Park

At the heart of Downtown Miami, Jose Marti Park offers a temporary respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It has outdoor and indoor basketball courts, picnic tables, children’s playgrounds, and an open field for frisbee, kickball, and other games.

With all these amenities, bring the family to Jose Marti Park for a fun afternoon.

Bring some snacks or lunch and have a relaxing picnic under the sun.

If you need a bit of de-stressing after a busy day, drop by the park and join free yoga classes on select days.

Soak up the Sun at South Pointe Beach

When in Miami, make sure to drop by any of the scenic beaches on the coast.

One of the most popular beaches in the city is South Pointe Beach, located on the southern end of Miami Beach.

It has white sand and warm, blue waters that are perfect for swimming and surfing.

South Pointe Beach is also perfect for sunset walks, perfecting your suntan, and relaxing under the sun.

However, there’s little to no shade on the beach, so wear sunscreen.

Go on a Scenic Ride along Rickenbacker Trail

The Rickenbacker Trail is an 8.5-mile trail with trailheads at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Brickell Avenue.

It offers scenic views of palm trees, skyscrapers, forests, and Biscayne Bay.

The trail is also famous for in-line skating, running, and walking.

Rickenbacker Trail combines shared roads, paved paths, sidewalks, and on-street bike lanes, so tourists must exercise caution at all times.

Regardless, this is one of Miami's best and most iconic bike trails.

Take a Self-Guided Tour around Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove takes pride in being Miami’s oldest, greenest, and most beautiful neighborhood.

Tucked among banyan, oak, and palm trees, the area has several eclectic restaurants, shops, and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.

This neighborhood combines Bohemian and Bahamian influences, giving it a unique flair that makes it a must-visit area in Miami.

Explore Coconut Grove and see what makes it one of the most sought-after addresses in the city.

Go window shopping at CocoWalk, visit tropical gardens, and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the tree-lined streets.

Stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk

The Miami Beach Boardwalk is a scenic pathway that lets you enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami’s lavish hotels and resorts.

It runs seven miles from South Pointe Park to Surfside.

On your way, find tourist destinations like Lummus Park, The Bass, Lincoln Road, and many other places.

Go for a relaxing walk or jog along the Miami Beach Boardwalk in the morning before starting your day or during the twilight for the best sunset views.

The boardwalk is paved, so bring your bike or skates.

Attend the Kitetober Kite Festival

Watch larger-than-life and colorful kites take flight at the Kitetober Kite Festival in Miami.

Organized by Skyward Kites, the festival invites people of all ages to join and fly kites of whatever shape, size, and color.

With South Florida’s diverse culture, you can also find traditional kites from around the world.

Watch the Kitetober Kite Festival events and quirky kites flying in the sky on a bright and sunny day.

If you don’t plan on flying a kite, bring a picnic blanket and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Soak up the Vibes at Ocean Drive

The 1.3-mile Ocean Drive is perhaps one of Miami's most beautiful major thoroughfares.

With Art Deco buildings, hotels, cafes, and apartments lining the palm-tree-lined streets, nothing gets more Miami than this.

Admire the white-and-pastel-hued hotels, quaint cafes, and small boutiques on a walking tour of Ocean Drive.

On your way, stop by the park for a breather or spot the public art installations.

Ocean Drive is another sight at night, as the colorful neon lights illuminate the streets.

Enjoy a Change of Scenery at the Old Cutler Trail

Escape from the sun's heat and take the Old Cutler Trail at Coral Gables.

This multipurpose trail runs 11 miles and takes you through some of Miami's most beautiful and quiet residential neighborhoods.

It’s also a nice trail if you want to see another side of the city.

Find large banyan trees, tropical gardens, and elegant mansions lined along the Old Cutler Trail.

Note that although in-line skating is allowed on the trail, watch out for large tree roots along the way.

Relax at South Pointe Park

If you’re up for a fuss-free activity in Miami, head to South Pointe Park, located on the southern end of Miami Beach.

The park opened in 1979 and offers various recreational amenities, perfect for a fun family bonding day.

Facilities at South Pointe Park include picnic and barbecue areas, benches, concession stands, and a dog park.

Outdoor showers are available for those who'd like to swim at the nearby South Pointe Beach.

You can also take the promenade for sweeping views of the Miami coastline.

Take a Daytime Walk at the Underline

Begin your day with a relaxing daytime stroll at the Underline.

It’s a 10-mile urban linear park with recreational facilities like outdoor gyms, exercise areas, paved paths, and more.

It also provides scenic views of the Miami River.

Do your morning meditation, stretching, or bike along the paved trail at The Underline for a great way to start your day.

On specific days, you can also join free yoga sessions with a view of the Miami River.

Final Thoughts

Boasting a gorgeous shoreline, swoon-worthy architecture, world-class museums, and fantastic beaches, Miami is a summer lover’s paradise.

There are plenty of things to do here, and even budget travelers can enjoy a vacation without worrying about the costs.

Use this list of free things to do in Miami, Florida, to plan your adventure today!